As one of the largest suburbs of Dallas, Plano offers visitors a mix of outdoor experiences, family fun, and cultural attractions. With a lively downtown, diverse dining, and access to nature, Plano has plenty to see and do for travelers of all ages. Here are the 12 best things to do in Plano, Texas on your next visit.

Explore Downtown Plano

Historic downtown Plano provides an engaging area to shop, dine, and explore. With red brick streets and classic storefronts, it has an old town feel. Pop into the eclectic shops selling antiques, crafts, baked goods and more. There are also wine bars, pubs, and cafes perfect for relaxing on a patio.

Don’t miss the Courthouse-on-the-Square Museum to learn about Plano’s past and see artifacts from the 1880s courthouse. On weekends, you can browse the Downtown Plano Farmer’s Market. With live music and special events, a stroll through downtown always promises fun.

See the Interurban Railway Museum

Railroad history comes alive at the Interurban Railway Museum, located in historic downtown Plano. Visitors can climb aboard preserved early 20th century electric rail cars that once connected Texas cities before roads were established. Inside the museum, exhibits showcase artifacts like a conductor’s uniform, ticket stubb, and tools.

Kids can enjoy operating model trains and watching the Sparky the Streetcar Show. With its engaging interactive displays, the Interurban Railway Museum teaches the pivotal role electric trains played in developing Plano.

Bike or Jog at the Oak Point Park and Nature Preserve

For outdoor recreation in Plano, head to the Oak Point Park and Nature Preserve. The nearly 600-acre space has picturesque ponds, fields of wildflowers, and several miles of scenic trails perfect for biking, jogging, or strolling. Picnic areas dotted throughout the preserve provide places to stop and relax.

Open from dawn until dusk, the preserve also offers fishing as a low-cost activity for visitors. Nature lovers will appreciate this slice of peaceful wilderness in the middle of Plano.

Catch a Show at the Courtyard Theater

For top-notch performing arts, the Courtyard Theater in downtown Plano is not to be missed. This small black box theater venue hosts musicals, comedies, dramas, and concerts in an intimate 450-seat space.

Wherever you sit in the Courtyard Theater, you’ll feel immersed in the outstanding shows brought to Plano by award-winning producing company ArtCentre Theatre. With tickets around $30 for most performances, it’s affordable evening entertainment. Seasonal favorites like annual Christmas shows make the Courtyard Theater a Plano staple.

Play Vintage Games at the Top Ten Arcade Museum

The Top Ten Arcade Museum brings 1980s nostalgia with its collection of over 60 classic arcade games available for play. Feel like a kid again as you try your hand at pinball, Pac-Man, Donkey Kong, and other vintage games from the golden age of arcades.

Admission is $15 and includes unlimited play time on all the museum’s games. With its fun throwback games, neon-lit atmosphere and snack bar, the Top Ten Arcade Museum is a one-of-a-kind experience right in Plano.

Tour the Heritage Farmstead Museum

History comes to life at Heritage Farmstead Museum, an 1890s living history farm authentically recreated by the Plano Historical Society. Costumed interpreters demonstrate daily chores and activities from the late 1800s, including cooking, gardening, and feeding farm animals.

The museum’s heritage center details local history through exhibits and hands-on displays. With an old-fashioned one-room schoolhouse, barn, ranch house, and more, the Heritage Farmstead Museum offers an immersive look at late 19th century Texas farm life.

Shop and Dine at The Shops at Legacy

High-end boutiques, popular chain stores, and local businesses make up The Shops at Legacy, a refined open-air mall and lifestyle center. Visitors can browse everything from fashion to home decor and take a break at one of the many cafes or restaurants for lunch or dinner.

Some dining highlights are Mexican fare at Mi Cocina, Mediterranean dishes at Zoe’s Kitchen, and decadent desserts from Sprinkles Cupcakes. With green space, public art, and community events, The Shops at Legacy has amenities beyond typical malls.

Attend the Suburbia Music Festival

Music and entertainment come together each fall at the Suburbia Music Festival in downtown Plano. This outdoor festival transforms the brick streets of historic downtown into concert stages hosting over 50 musical acts across genres like country, rock, indie folk, and more.

In addition to lively music from local to national performers, attendees find artisan crafts, beer gardens, contests, food trucks, and family activities. Taking place in early October, the Suburbia Music Festival provides a full day of free musical fun.

See a Comedy Show at Dr. Jeckyll’s

For nighttime laughs in Plano, head to the popular Dr. Jeckyll’s Comedy Club. This lively venue draws stand-up comics from around the country who provide evening entertainment Wednesday through Sunday. Past headliners include performers from late night shows along with up-and-coming comedians.

Tickets usually cost around $20 for a night of sophisticated adult humor and entertainment. With a full bar and food menu, Dr. Jeckyll’s makes for a complete night out for adults.

Golf at the Pecan Hollow Golf Course

For scenic recreation, hit the links at Pecan Hollow Golf Course, Plano’s award-winning municipal course. Beautiful prairie-style bunkering and rock creeks running throughout the course add challenge.

Amenities like a pro shop, practice range, and clubhouse with a grillroom make for an unforgettable day on the course. Rates are affordable compared to private clubs. The Pete Dye-designed course has terrain suitable for all skill levels to enjoy. Pecan Hollow provides a premier golf experience in Plano.

Experience the Sci-Tech Discovery Center

At the Sci-Tech Discovery Center, kids can engage in hands-on exploration of science and technology concepts through interactive exhibits and activities. Highlights include the Forces of Nature area demonstrating physics, the Bio Lab for learning about the human body, and the Tinkering Studio where kids can build projects with tools and materials.

Mini golf, an outdoor science park, and daily science shows are also part of the STEM fun. Through immersive exhibits, the Sci-Tech Discovery Center makes science come alive.

Relax at Arbor Hills Nature Preserve

Just west of Plano, the 200-acre Arbor Hills Nature Preserve provides a peaceful nature retreat from the city. Hike over 7 miles of trails through prairie ecosystems and wooded areas. In spring, blooming wildflowers add vibrant color to the scenery.

The park also has limestone cliffs, a flowing creek, and a scenic viewdeck overlooking the woods. Open daily from dawn to dusk, Arbor Hills Nature Preserve is the perfect place to unwind surrounded by natural beauty and tranquility.

Conclusion

From historic downtown attractions and interactive museums to outdoor recreation, arts performances, and unique shopping, Plano provides appealing options for visitors of all interests. With this vibrant Dallas suburb as a base, you can experience the cowboy history of Texas mixed with modern amenities and culture.

Next time you’re planning a Dallas Metroplex getaway, put Plano on your radar and get ready for memorable Lone Star State adventures.